Philadelphia, PA, USA /PRNewswire/– With the height of tourist activity throughout the region in sight, the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) is excited to announce the return of the PHLASH Downtown Loop for the 2012 season. The IVCC will now oversee the seasonal transit program for 2012 and the future.

Through the support of the City of Philadelphia, Center City District, Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum®, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) and many area hospitality leaders, the 2012 PHLASH season was realized.

“This is an invaluable amenity for our visitors and locals alike. It is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from the Historic District, to the Parkway Museums District, to the Zoo and Please Touch Museum. It puts everything Philadelphia has to offer within reach,” said James J. Cuorato, President and CEO of the IVCC. “We are glad to play a role in ensuring this program continues uninterrupted for another season and IVCC looks forward to its continued involvement in providing this amenity to our visitors.” On May 4, the PHLASH began a weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Beginning on Memorial Day, May 28, PHLASH will run seven days a week through Labor Day. PHLASH service in September and October will return to weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (PHLASH will operate on Columbus Day, October 8) with operations ending on October 28. The hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with service every 15 minutes. The PHLASH will make 19 stops between Penn’s Landing, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Zoo. New stops on the loop include Eastern State Penitentiary, Sister Cities Park Cafe & Visitor Center (opening May 10), and 16th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. There will also be a stop at 22nd Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway serving the Rodin Museum and the new Barnes Foundation.

To promote GPTMC’s With Art Philadelphia™ campaign, PHLASH signs and brochures will call out key art attractions along the route, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum and Philadelphia Museum of Art with a special “With Art Philadelphia™” mark.

As part of the PHLASH service, an updated Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum transfer loop will provide service every 15 minutes departing from the Philadelphia Museum of Art between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For a map and full listing of PHLASH stops, visit www.phillyphlash.com.

The PHLASH Park and Ride also provides discounted parking at select Philadelphia Parking Authority managed garages, including the Independence Mall garage located below the Independence Visitor Center (entrances located on 5th and 6th streets between Arch and Market streets).

The PHLASH Downtown Loop seasonal transit program is managed by the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC). PHLASH vehicle service is provided by Philadelphia Trolley Works. For more information about the PHLASH, visit www.phillyphlash.com . For information about the IVCC, visit www.independencevisitorcenter.com